This morning when I woke up I didn't even realize it right away, and that while I had told my partner last week that I had to bake a cake today. Unfortunately, I hadn't brought the ingredients for a cake from the supermarket. Once I was fully awake it hit me again. Today was not just any Saturday, our Skipper turned 6! And now you get it too, I should have made a cake for that. I mean, he deserves it! He is a sweetheart of a dog for us. Yes, of course, he has his quirks. But despite those quirks, he has already made so much progress since he came to live with us. And that was almost 5 years ago now.
The stormy Sunday in February 2020 is still fresh in my memory. Only 2 months after Rowan passed away, we wanted to give another dog looking for a new home a chance. My partner was 100% sure that he wanted a German Shepherd. Believe me when I say that many sweet faces passed on our PC screens until we both fell head over heels for Skipper's slightly mischievous look. He was still so young and already looking for his third home. That touched us, and my partner was immediately triggered because he saw it as a challenge to offer that little guy a good home.
I will never forget the first meeting, he was boisterous and stressed after a long car ride. And instead of showing himself at his best, we immediately saw him at his worst. He bit me in the hand and that was it ... I was sold! Now you probably think I'm crazy, and in a way that's true. But I looked past his behavior and saw an insecure dog who was looking for stability and support. A young dog who wanted to learn, and who wanted to do well. But that young dog had no idea what to do anymore.
After that very first turbulent encounter, we went for a walk in the woods with him and our two girls, Myla & Lana. Skipper had to go to a new home because he couldn't handle other dogs. When we started our walk we walked with all the dogs far apart so that they could all get used to each other and focus more on their surroundings, at the end of the walk we walked with three dogs right next to each other and when we came back they were allowed to go loose in the garden. The dog that supposedly couldn't handle other dogs played nicely with the girls and once inside he lay down with us in the kitchen. At this moment the final decision was made, he would come to live with us immediately, and from that Sunday we had three dogs in the house again.
In the years that he has lived with us he has taken such a big place in our hearts. And of course, he has also been through a lot in those years. Lana and Myla have both passed away and he is now the only dog at home. He already had a stubborn character and a sweet mischievous look, he still has that now, and over the years we have also grown together completely. We have all adapted to each other and Skipper has become an essential part of our lives. And today he turned six!
We started the day with his favorite walk. He seemed extra energetic today, maybe he felt that this was his day. He ran around happily with his ball, enthusiastic and boisterous as always. When we got back, it was time for some extra pampering. He got a special snack and lots of cuddles - something that, despite his stubborn character, he always accepts as if he has a right to it. And to be honest, he has every right to it!
Later I decided to have a cup of tea outside, together with him. And while he was lying on some beautiful autumn leaves, which I still had to clean up afterward, I noticed that his beautiful thick coat was shedding again. Time to get the brush out! Every time I am amazed at how much hair comes out. Especially at this time of year when he is getting his winter coat. After an hour of intensive brushing, I had a whole mountain of undercoat next to me, and Skipper looked beautifully groomed again, an extra spa treatment for his birthday. Although even I have to admit that it was of course for lack of anything better, he would have preferred that birthday cake!
After his brushing, we of course played together for a while. He was spinning around in circles with enthusiasm, a beautiful sight. It seems as if, despite the years, he still has that young energy, especially when he has his ball nearby. These are the moments when you enjoy life with such a faithful four-legged friend.
So here Saturday was all about Skipper's birthday and the chores that must happen. Tonight it's time to watch a movie on the big screen and then tomorrow it's already the last day of the weekend. It's flying by! How was your Saturday? Did you do anything fun, or was it a relaxing day? Enjoy the weekend and the little moments that make it special!
